The
Good Life
Summer tastes at Barrio Byron Barrio Executive Chef Daniela Maiorano has been joined by her brother Attilio at Barrio Eatery & Bar as she launches the new summer menu. Known as everyone’s ‘nonna’ in Byron Bay, for her modern twist on traditional family style dining, Daniela is bringing an abundance of Mediterranean shared plates with a strong focus on Italian flavours, to the table. Gather your mates for courtyard drinks and snack on freshly baked focaccia, chicken liver pate, cured meats, and pumpkin hummus. Inside, the vibe is equally inviting as long lazy lunches turn into dinner with a Feed Me menu featuring handmade pasta, charred
veggies, wood-roasted meats, and zesty salads. Wrap it up with tiramisu for the ultimate sweet ending. Chef David Moyle, who has been consulting on the project says, ‘Daniela is a fourth-generation Italian chef with a passion for transforming local produce. We
love her energy and what she is bringing into the kitchen.’ It’s all about meeting, eating, and sharing at Barrio, as wood-fired ovens and charcoal grills meet nonnastyle cooking. Summer has never tasted so good. Bookings and info: barriobyronbay.com.au
A tomato that is oh so perfect Victoria Cosford Sometimes you come across a tomato so perfect – bright red the whole way through, flesh taut and almost seedless – that you know it needs nothing other than a little salt and pepper and olive oil. On a plate, knife and fork, just that. Heather Armstrong’s tomatoes are shining examples of this and there’s no better evidence than the never-ending line of customers queuing in front of her stall. She’s back after the customary winter break, and clearly much missed. Bulgy bulbous Bulgarian beefsteaks; cherry tomatoes in yellow, gold and red; black and yellow beauties – but there are also glossy new zucchini and baby cucumbers. The EFTPOS machine is down this morning but that doesn’t prevent Heather from juggling cash, conversation, scales, warm banter and answering my scattered questions. I want to know about
COFFEE SH
green tomatoes: is there a specific breed? ‘There is a Spanish breed we used to grow – and we tried to grow a Mexican one but it was a failure,’ she tells me. ‘All tomatoes start off green and for special orders we pick them green.’ I’ll never forget a glorious gratin of green tomatoes I ate once in Italy, rich with bubbling cheesy cream, and of course there’s the famous ‘Fried Green Tomatoes,’ but apparently, Heather says, a lot of people use them for pickling. One woman hands over two huge beefsteaks for weighing, her face gleaming with joy. ‘My mum used to grow tomatoes like
these!’ she says. ‘She used to get the seeds from Macedonia, where she’s from.’ Heather will always welcome seeds from customers. ‘We’re willing to grow them and see how they go’, she says. ‘My stepson just ate one whole!’ exclaims another customer – and that’s it: Heather’s beautiful tomatoes, in reality, do not need a single thing other than your own teeth to sink into that sweet flesh. Q Coopers Shoot Tomatoes
are at New Brighton Farmers Market every Tuesday from 8am till 11am.
The Levee Lounge and Bar, Lismore
The Levee is a cosy and relaxed, down-toearth bar, that reflects Lismore’s eclectic heart. It’s a warm and friendly space where you can expect a quality wine list, great local beers, and cocktails. They create amazing deli, cheese and vegan platters, and have a selection of bar snacks, including locally made sweets from the Muddle Puddle cafe. Their cocktails use only the best spirits and homemade syrups to ensure a quality tipple. At The Levee they are all about creating just the right mood for your afternoon catch up with friends: chilled music and mood lighting in a beautifully designed space, with cute antique furniture. Whether you are a couple on a date night, or a group of friends catching up, they have a space for everyone. The Levee staff are all about providing excellent customer service, and the bar staff go above and beyond to greet you with a friendly smile and create a delicious beverage for you to enjoy. They also have plenty of great recommendations if you are struggling to decide what to have. So many cocktails, so little time! The Levee loves supporting the Lismore music and art scene; there is live music every week on Thursday and Sunday
afternoons, either inside or out on the deck. They also have regular poetry nights, comedy performances, DJs, drag shows, and art exhibitions. The Levee Bar is an inclusive, queer-friendly space with a fabulous vibe right in the heart of Lismore. So make the trip to Lismore and head to The Levee Lounge and Bar. It is definitely worth it! Q Levee Lounge and Bar is open Thurs-
day–Saturday 4pm–late, Sunday 2pm–9pm. 88 Magellan Street, Lismore. 02 6619 2900 theleveebar.com.au info@theleveebar.com.au
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Open 6am – 12pm Monday – Saturday Shop 6/108 Stuart Street Mullumbimby. #ELPELBFRσHHBVKRS ALLPRESS ESPRESSSO www.echo.net.au
mşưĕŔćĕſ ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǪ The Byron Shire Echo 21